Governor Aliyu Initiates Probe Against Traditional Rulers Allegedly Supporting PDP in Sokoto State

“Governor Aliyu Initiates Probe Against Traditional Rulers Allegedly Supporting PDP in Sokoto State”

In a recent development, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has launched an investigation into the involvement of high-profile traditional rulers, senior councillors, and kingmakers of the Sultanate council, accusing them of supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections. The state government is reportedly considering dethroning them, and preparations for this action are said to be underway.

Quingistempire obtained information suggesting that prominent monarchs, including Sarkin Yakin Binji Alh Kabir Usman, Sarkin Kabin Yabo Muhammadu mai Turare II, Baraden Wamakko Alh Barade Audi, and Sa’in Kilgori Dr Jabbi Kilgori, among others, have been summoned to appear before a committee set up by the state government. The committee, titled “Committee To Review The Appointment Of Traditional Rulers, Renaming Of Tertiary Institutions And Dissolution Of Governing Boards Of Government Agencies And Parastatals,” issued the summons to investigate the allegations.

In a letter of invitation dated January 4, 2024, the committee, headed by the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isa Sadiq Achida, directed the monarchs to appear at the Old Villa 3, Government House, Sokoto, by 2 pm. The invitation cited complaints from the monarchs’ subjects as the basis for the probe.

An anonymous source among the affected monarchs revealed that the summons were served by their respective Local Government Sole Administrators and that, during the committee’s proceedings, they faced intimidation, threats, and queries regarding their alleged roles in supporting the PDP during the 2023 elections. The source expressed concerns that the affected traditional leaders might face dethronement, and politics seemed to be a significant factor in the governor’s actions.

A member of the APC and former state house of Assembly representative hinted that the governor’s actions might lead to the replacement of the traditional rulers with individuals aligned with his political ideology, potentially causing chaos in the state. The source emphasized the alleged involvement of the former governor, Wamakko, and the Sultan in the political dynamics.

However, when contacted for comments, the Sokoto State commissioner for information, Sambo Bello Danchadi, declined to provide any statements, stating that he needed to know the identity of the person making the inquiry.